Marchitecture 2025
Renovate | Retrofit | Regenerate
It's widely reported that nearly 80% of buildings predicted to be standing or occupied in 2050 are already in existence today. This is a huge number, and it means that by a large margin, the majority of Architecture going forward is going to be retrofits, renovations, and remodeling.Welcome to my third annual (un)official challenge (competition, this time), Marchitecture! In 2023 we had a prompt list, in 2024 it was honing in on the ever so important context that makes architecture special, and this time we're looking at a reality of our own world: renovations.
The Prompt
Tell us about a pre-existing building in your world that was renovated or remodeled in modern or current times. The original use or programming of the building does not have to remain, and the renovation can be in the form of an addition, a remodeling of parts, or total regeneration of the entire structure. However, some part of the original building identity should remain -- this is not a demolition and reconstruction, this is taking an old form and giving it new life.Examples and Inspiration
- Antwerp Port House by Zaha Hadid
- Tasmmany Hall by BKSK Architects
- Fondaco dei Tedeschi by OMA
- PLATO Contemporary Art Gallery by KWK PROMES
- Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore by Trace Architecture Office
- Siyadi Pearl Museum and mosque by Studio Anne Holtrop
- Royal Ontario Museum by Hariri Pontarini Architects (I've been to this museum, it is strikingly bizzare and beautiful.
- Nantou Hybrid Building by Urbanus
- Glenbow Museum Renovation by DIALOG | (I've toured this one, it's lovely)
- Tasmmany Hall by BKSK Architects
- Fondaco dei Tedeschi by OMA
- PLATO Contemporary Art Gallery by KWK PROMES
- Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore by Trace Architecture Office
- Siyadi Pearl Museum and mosque by Studio Anne Holtrop
- Royal Ontario Museum by Hariri Pontarini Architects (I've been to this museum, it is strikingly bizzare and beautiful.
- Nantou Hybrid Building by Urbanus
- Glenbow Museum Renovation by DIALOG | (I've toured this one, it's lovely)
Take a look at some of these examples for really great inspiration -- in each case, there's a few interesting questions to ask. What of the original building did the new architects remove? What did they leave behind to shine through, and to be built off of? Usually the structure, the bones, is what remains. On the other hand, are there cases of rules being broken, of the new architect choosing to strongly contrast the existing building, rather than harmonize with it?
Tiny bit late on this, buuuuuut the judging is now complete! And WOW, y'all made some incredible articles, it was incredibly hard to make the decision!
In the end, myself and 5 other recent Architecture graduates looked at the work. We judged them based on 5 categories -- Concept/Originality, Aesthetics/Art, Architecture, Overall Writing, and then Overall Personal Opinion. The work was all fantastic, but as this was a judged competition, there can be only one winner.
And the winner is....
We all REALLY loved this article. The concept was really strong and unique, there was a great precedent in the Kowloon Walled City, and it was a joy to read through. Well done Kitoypoy, it was an absolute pleasure to read the work! And well done to everyone that participated as well, I hope everyone really enjoyed writing these articles and thinking through the architecture in this way. It was all incredibly inspiring to read <3 I will be going through and leaving badges in the comments for all entries in the next bit!
Kitoypoy with the Tangled Hollow!!
We all REALLY loved this article. The concept was really strong and unique, there was a great precedent in the Kowloon Walled City, and it was a joy to read through. Well done Kitoypoy, it was an absolute pleasure to read the work! And well done to everyone that participated as well, I hope everyone really enjoyed writing these articles and thinking through the architecture in this way. It was all incredibly inspiring to read <3 I will be going through and leaving badges in the comments for all entries in the next bit!
by Stormbril
Rules
- 1. This building renovation must be a brand new article, started on or after March 1st, 2025.
- 2. Write your article using the Building template.
- 3. There is a maximum word count of 1,500 words for this competition. (BBCode does not count, I will copy everything into a word counter to check.)
- 4. Submit your article in the comments section of this page, and I will add it to the entries list.
- 5. There must be at least 1 image of your building. This is a writing challenge, but I am an architecture nerd, and I wanna see your buildings >:) Suggestions: doodle, sketch, use stock images with words and annotations on top, photo-bash, collage, or ask a friend to draw your idea! Architectural design is often about image making and story telling, and the better that is done, the better the actual built structure is. Breaking these rules disqualifies you from winning, but you will still earn the participation badge!
The winning article will recieve the special Winner's Badge, as well as a copy of Graham Livesey's "Modern Architecture: the basics" in either paperback or digital format.
Judging
A shortlist may or may not be assembled, depending on the number of participants. There is only one league for this unofficial competition. Articles will be checked for word count and images, then divided among myself and some of my fellow architecture students and friends. Entries will be judged on concept, originality, storytelling (this can mean prose, as well as how well you communicate your idea), and overall design (of the building, and the article).
A winning article will be announced by the end of April (if all goes well -- we're in our last semester of this program, and April is a busy semester!). I, and my friends, look forward to seeing your lovely articles and amazing architecture!
Maker's Market, plaza corner collage by Stormbril
Dates:
March 1st - March 31st: Challenge period. Write and submit your articles.April 1st - April 30th*: Judging Period. No edits during this period, please! Doing so may disqualify you from winning.
After April 30th: A winner is announced, and badges will be provided.
YEAAAAAAAAAAAA
WOOOOOOOOOOO
HERE'S MY ENTRY
Calana's Halo
A dyson sphere absorbing energy from Calana, a star in the Cantyma System. It powers Razhea Capita.
IT'S ON THE PAGE NOW I look forward to reading it :D